Foward thinking

It also reiterates the continuing importance, locally of Yorkshire Forward – a point made forcefully, and succinctly, by several of this region's key business leaders.

If, as it appears, the road to economic recovery is going to be a long, and tortuous, journey, then it is even more important that the more effective regional development agencies remain in place to attract new investment.

While some RDAs have a questionable reputation – hence the Conservatives' desire to abolish such bodies – the same cannot be said of Yorkshire Forward which has overseen the transformation of former pit communities and put the region at the vanguard of the carbon economy – one of the principal drivers of economic growth in the next decade.

It is a proud record – and, perhaps, these bodies should have done more to emphasis their successes rather than allow the Tories to portray them as a waste of money.

Of course, difficult decisions will have to be made after the election. That goes without saying. But, equally, it will be important to retain, in a reformed way, those organisations like Yorkshire Forward that have the necessary vision, and pragmatism, to sell this region to the world.

It's certainly not a remit that can be fulfilled by local authorities working in isolation, one of the Conservatives' suggested approaches. It needs an effective body with the ability to operate on a region-wide basis and showcase Yorkshire as the place to do business. As such, the time has come for politicians of all stripes to recognise this reality.